Status: 13.10.2021 8:22 p.m.
In the dispute over the Brexit rules for Northern Ireland, the EU Commission Great Britain has proposed solutions. The aim is to simplify the import of certain foods and medicines. At the center of the conflict: the so-called Northern Ireland Protocol.
The controversial Northern Ireland Protocol was once again examined from all sides, said the Vice President of the EU Commission, Maros Sefcovic. The EU is ready to adapt its own rules and laws so that they benefit the people of British Northern Ireland. Brussels is offering a significant simplification of import and customs controls for certain products that are exported from Great Britain to Northern Ireland – such as medicines, food and consumer goods.
Sefcovic promises 80 percent fewer controls and halving customs formalities. The condition is that the goods concerned are intended exclusively for Northern Ireland and that the remaining controls are actually carried out. This is now the turn of the British government, said the EU Commissioner. He is confident that both sides can come to an agreement quickly.
Gudrun Engel, ARD Brussels, on the problems of the Northern Ireland Protocol
daily news 2 p.m., 13.10.2021
No compromises on crucial issues
It is questionable, however, whether the proposals from Brussels will be accepted in London. The British government had repeatedly called for the complete renegotiation of the Northern Ireland Protocol in advance. It also rejects the European Court of Justice as the highest arbitration body for disputes. Neither is negotiable for Brussels, however, as the Commission made clear once again.
If both sides fail to reach an agreement, the protocol could be unilaterally breached. According to several experts, this would lead to a trade war between Great Britain and the EU.
The Northern Ireland Protocol was negotiated when the United Kingdom left the EU. It should ensure that there are no permanent border controls on the island of Ireland. Northern Ireland remains part of the EU internal market, but the flow of goods between the part of the country and the rest of Great Britain must be more strictly controlled.